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Best Street Art In Orange County

street art 610
(credit: A_Lesik/Shutterstock)

If you are looking for some inspiration and enlightenment, take a look at these local works of art. With murals and sculptures that represent honor, service, culture and the environment, you are likely to find a piece that resonates with you.

"Among Heroes" by Carlos Aguilar
(credit: Elle Toussi)

"Among Heroes"
Logan Street Neighborhood
Washington Ave. & Custer St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 914-5324
www.santa-ana.org

This mural was created by artist Carlos Aguilar and honors U.S. military veterans for their heroic service. The detailed painting depicts portraits of several war veterans from the Logan Street Neighborhood, which is where it is displayed on the wall of La Chiquita Restaurant in Santa Ana. The mural pays homage to many Mexican-Americans who were in World War II, including Luciano Arzate, who died for the country at the young age of 20; Joe M. Reynoso, who took Jews out of a concentration camp and brought them to safety and was a Santa Ana firefighter after returning from the war; and Fred Chavez, who at only 21 years of age captured more than 20 German soldiers. Half of the mural is still set to be finished. Be sure to stop by and see what veterans will be added to the mural next.

porcelain-mural-credit-dora-de-lario
(credit: Dora de Lario)

"Porcelain Mural"
Montage Resort & Spa
30801 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
www.doradelarios.com

Completed in 15 months by artist Dora De Lario, "Porcelain Mural" celebrates the beauty of marine and beach life in California. The turquoise glaze mural includes turtles, birds and fish and can not only be appreciated for its lovely aesthetic, but for the process that went into this work. Porcelain is a challenging material to work with because it can collapse during the formation process, but is a desirable medium because of the way glazes appear so nicely on it.

5 Free Newport Pier Header kristi
(credit: Kristi Marcelle)

"McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project"
McFadden Square at the base of Newport Pier
Newport Beach, CA
(949) 717-3870
www.newportbeachca.gov

The McFadden Square Centennial Legacy Project was created by artist Hank Kaminsky and presented to the community in 2008. The five-foot bronze sphere sculpture is on display at the Newport Pier and commemorates 100 years of history in the city of Newport Beach. There's pictures and quotes carved into the sphere that commemorate notable events in the community, and granite benches and a walking path surround the admirable sculpture.

Related: Best Upcoming Art Exhibits In OC This Fall

Good Friend sculpture Nakayoshi
(credit: Grace M./Yelp)

"Nakayoshi – Good Friends"
(in front of Newport Beach Central Library)
1000 Avocado Ave.
Newport Beach, CA‎
(949) 717-3800‎
www.newportbeachca.gov

"Nakayoshi - Good Friends" was given to Newport Beach more than 20 years ago from Okazaki, Japan as a gift. The sculpture honors the ten-year "Sister City" relationship between Newport Beach and Ohazaki and can be seen in front of the Newport Beach Central Library.

newport beach civic center
(credit: Lisa R./Yelp)

"Sculpture"
Civic Center Park
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 644-3309
www.newportbeachca.gov

This two-phase art exhibit consists of 20 sculptures, each created by different artists. The first phase of sculptures will be showcased until August 2016, and the second installation will be on display until August 2017. Many of the creative titles are indicative of the abstract art pieces. Some of the titles include "Pretty Boy,"Big Wet Dog," "Double Doliy," "Red Gateway" "Re-cycled," "La Cage aux Folles" and "Decline." You can see pictures of the different sculptures here.

Related: Best Abstract Art Exhibits In OC

Stacy Brecht is a professional writer, publicist, dancer and model in the Los Angeles area. Brecht also enjoys traveling, wine, fitness training, live music, movies and trying new restaurants. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


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